UNIVERSITY  OF  CAUFOM4 

LIBRARY 

BRA»^H  OF  THE 

COLLEGE  OF  AeRICr'""" 

COFY 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

AGRICULTURAL  EXPERIMENT  STATION. 

BERKELEY,  CAL. 

E.  W.  HILGARD,  Director.  BULLETIN  Wo.  118 


DISTRIBUTION    OF   SEEDS    AND    PLANTS. 


By  E.  J.  Wickson,  Professor  of  Agricultural  Practice. 

Public  interest  in  the  plant  introduction  and  distribution  work  of  the 
Station  was  well  maintained  last  year,  and  responsive  reports  on  the  part 
of  those  who  participated  in  the  distribution  convey  much  interesting  and 
important  information.  We  desire  to  remind  all  correspondents  that  they 
assume  the  obligation  of  reporting  to  us  and  in  the  discharge  of  this  obli- 
gation lies  the  greater  public  interest  of  their  undertaking.  We  expect  to 
hear  during  the  next  few  weeks  the  results  of  many  more  trials.  It  mat- 
ters not  whether  the  reports  be  of  successes  or  failures ;  both  are 
instructive  and  significant,  especially  if  the  correspondent  makes  some 
effort  to  describe  the  conditions  which  seem  to  be  involved  in  the  result. 

The  dimensions  of  last  year's  distribution  are  indicated  by  the  follow- 
ing brief  summary.  A  fuller  account  will  be  found  in  an  annual  report 
soon  to  be  issued: 

Number  of  applicants 1, 184 

Packages  sent  by  mail 1,446 

Packages  sent  by  express 171 

Plants  and  roots  distributed 27,329 

Packets  of  seed  distributed 8,983> 

Postoffices  reached 427 

Counties  reached 52 

All  the  foregoing  figures  relate  to  distribution  within  the  State  of 
California.  Distribution  is  not  undertaken  beyond  State  lines  except  in 
exchange  for  material  desired  by  us,  and  there  were  56  such  distant  ex- 
changes made  last  year. 

The  importance  of  the  service  rendered  to  this  distribution  by  the 
outlying  culture  Stations  of  the  University  is  being  more  clearly  demon- 


strated  each  year.  The  seed  product  of  the  Garden  of  Economic  Plants 
at  Berkeley  is  being  notably  supplemented  by  the  product  of  the  Stations 
at  Pomona,  Santa  Monica  and  Tulare.  In  this,  as  well  as  in  other  re- 
spects, the  anticipation  of  advantage  in  having  local  establishments  rep- 
resenting the  diverse  conditions  of  soil  and  climate  in  different  parts  of 
California  is  being  realized. 

Aims  and  Methods  of  Distribution. 

« 

To  reduce  as  much  as  practicable  the  vast  amount  of  correspondence 
which  is  entailed  upon  the  Station  by  the  distribution,  we  desire  that  the 
following  points  should  be  carefully  considered  by  all  applicants: 

First— Do  not  apply  for  things  not  mentioned  in  this  bulletin.  We  cannot  usually  supply 
things  previously  offered  for  distribution.  Do  not  apply  for  common  garden  seeds,  fruit  trees, 
or  ornamentals,  which  can  be  purchased  at  seed  stores  or  nurseries.    We  cannot  supply  them. 

Second— Do  not  make  a  general  request  "for  anything  which  will  do  in  this  locality."  Ap- 
ply specifically  for  what  interests  you,  or  may  prove  of  value  to  you. 

Third— We  cannot  undertake  distribution  to  citizens  of  other  States,  except  in  exchange 
for  something  which  we  desire  for  trial. 

Fourth— We  require  the  applicant  to  pay  a  small  amount  for  each  thing  received,  partly  to 
bear  the  cost  of  distribution,  but  chiefly  as  a  guaranty  that  he  has  not  merely  an  idle  desire  for 
what  can  be  had  for  nothing,  but  intends  to  make  trial  for  a  definite  end  and  will  report  re- 
sults to  us. 

Fifth— Applications  may  be  made  for  one  or  more  kinds  of  seeds,  but  an  applicant  should 
not  order  more  than  one  package  of  a  kind.  If  the  supply  of  any  kind  of  seed  becomes  exhausted 
the  money  will  be  returned,  unless  a  second  choice  is  mentioned  by  the  sender.  Postal  notes 
are  requested  instead  of  stamps,  whenever  practicable.  Any  surplus  left  after  filling  orders 
will,  as  far  as  possible,  be  returned  to  the  senders,  deducting  letter  postage. 

Trees    and     Shrubs. 

The  Camphor  Tree  {Cinnamomum  camphora). — Attention  has  been 
widely  called  of  late  to  the  desirability  of  the  Camphor  tree  for  growth  in 
California  valleys  and  foothills  either  as  an  ornamental  tree  or  as  a  possi- 
ble source  of  profit  for  its  timber  and  for  the  gum  and  oil  which  are 
derived  from  it  by  simple  distilling  processes.  The  camphor  tree  was  in- 
troduced to  California  at  least  25  years  ago  and  was  among  the  first 
plants  distributed  from  the  University.  There  is  therefore  at  the  present 
time  ample  demonstration  of  the  hardiness,  drouth-resistance,  and  beauty 
of  the  tree  and,  so  far  as  its  growth  is  concerned,  it  is  an  eminently  safe 
tree  to  plant  for  ornamental  or  forest  purposes.  Concerning  profit  to  be 
derived  from  its  planting  we  do  not  undertake  to  give  assurance.  The  tree 
is  a  handsome,  broad-leaved  evergreen  1  attaining  large  size  and  noticeable 
by  the  characteristic  light  green  of  its  foliage.  It  endures  in  California  a 
temperature  as  low  as  20°  Fahr.,  and  is  probably  about  as  hardy  as  the 
olive.  It  has  endured  without  injury  temperature  that  has  killed  large 
trees  of  eucalyptus  globulus  and  acacia  mollissima,  and  thrifty  trees  can  be 
found  in  California  valleys  as  far  north  as  Shasta  county.  It  succeeds  on 
a  great  variety  of  soils  but  makes  its  best  growth  on  rich,  retentive  soil. 
The  trees  can  be  readily  grown  from  seed,  which  should  be  planted  in  sandy 
loam  in  January  or  February,  according  to  the  time  when  the  soil  becomes 
warm,  covered  about  one-half  inch  and  kept  moist  but  not  wet.  Growth 
in  seed-boxes  protected  from  cold  winds  and  with  partial  shade  until  the 
plants  are  in  full  leaf  is  to  be  commended.  From  the  boxes  transplant  into 
nursery  rows  early  in  the  fall,  retaining  the  earth  about  the  roots  as  much 
as  possible  and  using  water  if  the  soil  is  dry.  The  trees  endure  trans- 
planting even  when  of  considerable  size  by  the  treatment  usually  accorded 
olive  or  orange  trees.     Seed,  5  cts.  per  packet. 

Desirable  Eucalypts  and  Acacias. — Although  some  parts  of  the 
State,  notably  the  southern  counties,  have  made  commendable  progress  in 
distribution  of  eucalyptus  and  acacia  species,  it  may  be  truly  said  that 
Californians  generally  only  know  a  few  of  the  species  which  were  distribu- 


ted  through  the  nursery  trade  many  years  ago.  At  the  University 
Forestry  Station  at  Santa  Monica  a  number  of  the  less  known  species  are 
now  bearing  seed,  and  furnish  material  for  distribution  which,  we  trust, 
will  bring  trees  into  the  possession  of  those  who  might  not  otherwise  obtain 
them,  and  thus  wider  experimental  data  of  the  desirability  and  adaptability 
of  the  species  can  be  secured.  The  following  brief  descriptive  notes  of  the 
sorts  we  offer  this  year  are  prepared  by  Mr.  J.  H.  Barber,  foreman  at 
Santa  Monica,  from  his  own  observation  of  the  trees  under  his  charge: 

EUCALYPTS. 

1.  Eucalyptus  poly anthema.— Fine  tree  of  full  habit,  well-branched,  with  heavy  foliage,  leaves 
ovate  to  rounded  in  shape,  gray-green  to  soft  blue-gray  in  color.  Flowers  small,  white,  in  close 
clusters  on  ends  of  branchlets,  much  resembling  gigantic  heads  of  mignonette.  Bark  roughish, 
brown,  peristent.  Blooms  in  January,  February,  March,  very  profusely.  Very  useful  for  "  breed- 
ing up"  bees  at  that  season.  Wood  hard,  close-grained,  resembling  box:  excellent  fuel.  Growth 
fairly  rapid.  Height  35  feet,  girth  35  inches  in  eight  years  from  seed,  on  light  soil,  without  irri- 
gation.   Hardy,  withstands  considerable  frost. 

2.  E.  eugenioides.—  Straight-stemmed  tree  of  good  appearance.  Leaves  small,  lanceolate, 
sickle-shaped.  Flowers  white,  in  small,  close  clusters;  April,  May,  June,  and  sometimes  also 
in  fall.  Bark  thick,  soft,  stringy,  persistent.  Growth  in  eight  years  from  seed:  height  28  feet, 
girth  24  inches,  on  light  soil,  without  irrigation. 

3.  E.  diversicolor .— The  "Karri."  Straight,  well-branched,  symmetrical  tree.  Leaves  ovate- 
lanceolate,  pointed,  dark-green,  glossy.  Flowers  white,  in  heavy  clusters;  April,  May,  June, 
and  again  in  November.  Bark  smooth,  gray-brown,  persistent  for  some  years.  Profuse  bloomer; 
useful  for  bees.  Good  shade  tree;  yields  valuable  timber.  Growth  rapid.  Height  40  feet,  girth 
27  inches,  in  same  time  and  under  same  conditions  as  above. 

4.  E.  cornuta  var.  Lehmannii. — Displays  tendency  to  divide  into  several  stems  at  or  near 
ground,  making  a  spreading  tree.  Leaves  small,  oblong,  thick  in  texture,  dull-green.  Flower 
buds  very  large,  resembling  close  clusters  of  horns;  flowers  in  large,  globular  heads  of  apple- 
green  filaments;  fruit  in  large,  close,  spiny  clusters;  all  very  remarkable.  Blooms  July,  August, 
September.  Growth  (time  and  conditions  as  above)— height  24  feet,  spread  of  branches  30  feet. 
Valuable  as  an  ornamental  and  as  a  botanical  curiosity. 

5.  E.  cornuta. — Much  larger  and  more  rapid  growing  than  the  var.  Lehmannii,  but  has  some- 
thing of  same  tendency  to  divide  at  or  near  the  ground  in  many  cases.  Leaves  lanceolate,  dull- 
green,  but  shining  in  sunlight.  Flower  buds,  flowers  and  fruits  like  the  last  mentioned,  but 
smaller,  and  the  fruit  clusters  less  compact.  Blooms  about  same  time.  Growth  (time  and  con- 
ditions as  above) — height  35  feet,  girth  30  inches.    A  fair  shade  tree;  timber  valuable. 

6.  E.  citriodora(more correctly,  E.  macu'ata  var.  citriodora). — Rather  slender.straight-stemmed 
tree,  with  long,  slender,  drooping  branchlets,  and  long,  narrow,  sickle-shaped,  bright  green 
leaves.  Flowers  creamy-white;  Mav,  June,  July.  Bark  deciduous  in  flakes,  smooth,  beautifully 
colored  in  pale  grey  and  lavender  tints.  Leaves  exquisitely  lemon-scented,  retaining  the  per- 
fume when  dried.  Growth  (time  and  conditions  as  above)— height  40  feet,  girth  27  inches.  A 
beautiful  and  very  desirable  ornamental.    Hardy  at  Oakland,  Cal. 

7.  E.  robusta. — Handsome,  symmetrically  branching  tree.  Leaves  large,  ovate-lanceolate, 
pointed,  dark  green,  glossy,  leathery.  Flowers  large,  white;  December,  January.  February. 
Bark  rough,  dark  brown,  persistent.  Growth  (time  and  conditions  as  above)— height  35  feet, 
girth  30  inches.  Free  bloomer,  valuable  for  bees.  Fine  avenue  tree,  and  being  planted  for  this 
purpose  in  southern  California.    Timber  valuable. 

8.  E.  alpiaa.— Shrubby  mountain  species,  of  spreading  habit, with  rather  close  foliage.  Leaves 
ovate,  dull  green,  thick  in  texture.  Flowers  white  iu  small,  close  clusters,  not  conspicuous; 
October,  November.    Buds  dark  reddish  brown,  warty,  curious.    Hardy. 

9.  E.  obcordata.— Small,  shrubby  species.  Leaves  broadly  obovate,  dull  green,  thick  in  tex- 
ture. Flowers  dull  reddish  color.  Flower  stalks  broad,  flattened,  recurved.  A  curious  small 
tree,  valuable  for  ornamental  purposes     Blooms  more  or  less  for  a  great  part  of  the  year. 

10.  E.  calophylla.— Well-formed  treeof  regular,  symmetrical  outline, and  rather  pyramidal  form. 
Leaves  ovate  to  ovate-lanceolate,  pointed,  dark  green,  glossy.  Flowers  large,  white,  in  large 
clusters,  very  conspicuous;  August,  September,  October.  Seed  capsules  large,  urn-shaped,  re- 
markable. Bark  cinnamon  colored,  persistent.  Wood  valuable— strong  and  light.  Growth 
(time  and  conditions  as  above)— height  22  feet,  girth  21  inches.  Fine  ornamental  and  shade  tree. 

11.  E.  corymbosa. — Well  shaped  tree  of  same  type,  and  same  general  appearance  as  the  last- 
named.  Leaves  intermediate  in  size  and  shape  between  those  of  E.  calophylla  and  E.  diversi- 
color. Flowers  large,  white,  in  heavy  clusters,  very  conspicuous;  September,  October,  Novem-  . 
ber.  Seed  capsules  medium-sized,  urn-shaped.  Bark  cinnamon  colored,  persistent.  Wood 
hard,  durable  underground.  Growth  (time  and  conditions  as  above)— height  30  feet,  girth  24 
inches.    Beautiful  ornamental  and  shade  tree. 

12.  E.  leucosylon  var.  rosea  (syn.  E.  sideroxylon  var.  rosea).— Elegant,  upright  tree,  with  droop- 
ing branches,  and  light,  glaucous  blue  foliage.  Leaves  medium-sized,  lanceolate.  Flowers 
pink,  in  loose  clusters  along  the  drooping  branchlets;  February,  March,  April.  Bark  rough, 
fissured,  reddish-brown,  very  resinous,  persistent,  contrasting  well  with  the  foliage.  Growth 
(time  and  conditions  as  above)— height  37  feet,  girth  39  inches.  Wood  of  very  superior  quality. 
A  tree  of  many  attractions. 

ACACIAS. 

13.  Acacia  dec urr ens. —The  well-known  "  black  wattle  "  tree  of  Australia,  a  medium-sized  tree 
of  rapid  growth,  with  beautiful  fern-like  foliage  and  brilliant  yellow  blossoms.    The  wood  is  of 


some  value  for  use  iu  the  arts,  and  makes  excellent  fuel,  but  the  principal  value  of  the  tree  lies 
in  its  bark,  which  is  very  rich  in  tannin  and  is  extensively  used  for  tanning  purposes. 

14.  A.  decurrens  var.  normalis  (?).—  Differing  from  the  above  mainly  in  the  greater  beauty  and 
delicacy  of  its  foliage,  which  in  decorative  effect  may  be,  not  inaptly,  compared  to  that  of  the 
asparagus  fern.  This  variety  blooms  more  freely,  also,  than  the  above,  and  its  general  appear- 
ance is  much  more  ornamental. 

15.  A.  melanoxylon  (blackwood  acacia). — An  upright,  symmetrical,  pyramidal  tree,  with  dense 
foliage.  Very  neat  and  trim  in  appearance,  making  an  excellent  sidewalk  tree.  Wood  makes 
first-class  fuel,  and  also  valuable  timber  for  many  purposes.    Grows  rapidly. 

16.  A.  pycnantha  (golden  wattle). — A  medium-sized  or  small  tree,  well  branched,  with  heavy 
foliage,  and  dense  clusters  of  beautiful  yellow  flowers,  borne  very  profusely  in  spring  time. 
Bark  also  very  valuable  for  tanning  purposes.  Tree  of  rapid  growth,  but  often  suffers  from 
breakage  by  wind.    Very  ornamental  when  in  bloom. 

17.  A.  cyanophylla  (blue  leaved).— Low-growing,  spreading  tree,  adapted  for  parks  and  lawns. 
Leaves  long  and  narrow  (sometimes  nearly  a  foot  in  length),  bluish.  Flowers  larger  than  those 
of  acacias  mentioned  above,  of  a  rich  orange  color,  borne  profusely  along  the  branchlets;  very 
showy.    Bark  also  useful  for  tanning. 

Other  Trees  and  Shrubs. — The  following  desirable  growths  are  also 
offered  for  trial : 

18.  Lagunaria  Patersonii.—A  small,  compact,  evergreen  tree,  of  regular  pyramidal  form.  Leaves 
ovate,  light  dull  green  in  color.  Flowers  large,  waxen,  bell-shaped,  pink  to  white,  very  fine  and 
borne  very  profusely  in  July  and  August.  Seed  pods  plump,  pale  yellow,  downy,  conspicuous, 
afterwards  shrivelling  and  turning  a  dingy  brown  color.  A  desirable  ornamental  for  the  shrub- 
bery or  home  garden. 

19.  Sterculia  diveraifolia. — This  is  the  "  bottle  tree  "  of  Victoria,  a  stout,  glabrous  tree  from  20  to 
60  feet  in  height  and  having  a  peculiar  bottle-shaped  trunk.  It  is  a  very  striking  tree  in  appear- 
ance and  has  shown  its  adaptation  to  the  coast  region  at  least  by  iis  growth  at  Santa  Monica, 
and  it  has  also  done  well  at  Pomona  and  Tulare. 

20.  Crat.ie.gus  mollis.— The  "  scarlet  haw"  of  the  Eastern  States;  a  valuable  ornamental  tree, 
20  to  30  feet  high,  with  compact,  round  head;  recommended  for  street  planting. 

21.  Cytisus  proliferus  ("  tagasaste  ").— A  valuable  shrub  for  bees,  providing  abundance  of 
blossom  in  December,  January  and  February. 

Eucalyptus  and  other  tree  seedlings  can  be  easily  grown  in  seed  boxes 
of  sandy  loam  kept  warm  and  moist,  but  not  wet.  Cover  the  seed  lightly 
and  partly  shade  to  prevent  surface  drying.  Acacia  and  tagasaste  seed 
can  be  handled  in  the  same  way,  but  it  should  be  soaked  over  night  in  hot 
water  before  sowing.  Seed  in  packets  by  mail ;  2  cents  for  each  variety 
ordered. 

Selected  Resistant   Vines. 

It  has  been  known  for  years  that  American  wild  vines  are  charac- 
terized by  every  marked  differences  in  degrees  of  resistance  to  phylloxera, 
and  especially  in  adaptability  to  soils.  More  recent  investigation  has 
shown  that  not  only  species  differ  in  this  respect,  but  varieties  of  the 
same  species  show  widely  different  characteristics.  As  a  result  of  the 
process  of  selection  varieties  have  been  secured  which  are  far  above  the 
average  of  the  species  in  vigor  of  growth  and  development,  degree  of 
resistance  and  general  suitability  for  resistant  root  purposes.  Of  the  few 
varieties  which  have  thus  demonstrated  particular  excellence  in  France 
we  have  obtained  stock  of  four  varieties  which  promise  best  under  Cali- 
fornia conditions,  viz  : 

(1.)  For  dry  soils — that  is,  soils  likely  to  become  somewhat  dry  in 
summer — the  Rupestris  "St.  George." 

(2.)  For  deep,  moist  and  tolerably  rich  soils,  Riparia  "  Gloire  de  Mont- 
pellier,"  and  "Grande  Glabre." 

(3.)     For  heavy,  low,  lands  even  if  slightly  alkaline,  hybrid  "Solonis.' 

The  discussion  of  these  varieties  in  detail,  and  their  use  as  resistants, 
is  published  in  a  University  Bulletin  which  will  be  sent  to  all  who  desire 
it.  It  must  be  understood  that  these  vines  do  not  bear  edible  grapes; 
they  are  merely  intended  for  roots  on  which  to  graft  the  desirable  table 
and  wine  varieties. 

We  send  rooted  vines  and  advise  that  they  be  not  introduced  in  any 
locality  where  the  phylloxera  is  not  now  known  to  exist.  The  vines  are 
grown  on  land  free  from  the  insect  and  will  be  disinfected  before  the  distri- 
bution, but  we  do  not  advise  the  risk  of  introduction  in  localities  now  free. 


We  will  send  about  25  rooted  vines  to  each  applicant  who  will  send  with 
his  application  25  cents  to  pay  for  packing,  and  the  vines  will  be  sent  by 
freight  or  express,  the  the  charges  to  be  paid  by  the  applicant. 

Table  Grapes  From   Persia. 

Though  we  have  distributed  these  vines  for  several  years,  we  have  not 
yet  been  able  to  fill  all  requests.  They  are  grapes  of  the  tablelands  of 
Persia,  which  have  won  praise  from  all  travelers  who  have  eaten  them. 
The  vines  are  of  the  Vitis  vinifera,  but  the  fruit  has  quite  a  distinctive 
character  when  compared  with  the  varieties  chiefly  grown  in  the  west  of 
Europe.  They  are  showing  much  difference  in  their  behavior  in  Califorina 
localities  and  are  receiving  both  praise  and  condemnation  from  California 
growers.  Their  final  standing  is  still  to  be  determined.  The  following  list 
is  offered  : 

1.  Paykaynee  Eazukee:    Bright  red,  large,  long,  few  seeds 

2.  Dizmar:    Light  yellow,  very  sweet,  long,  tapering. 

3.  Kahllillee:    Said  to  be  the  earliest  in  Persia. 

4.  Askaree:    Widely  grown   in  Persia  and  used  both  for  tab  le  and  drying;  black,  resem- 

bling Cornichon,  but  considerably  earlier. 

5.  Pish  Baba:    Also  a  leading  variety  in  the  Orient  for  table  and  drying,  and  said  to  keep 

until  spring. 

6.  Hatab:    A  large,  sweet  grape. 

7.  Shiraz:    Named  from  one  of  the  most  important  grape  re  gions  of  Persia,  where  it  is  a 

leading  sort. 

8.  Alhakahee:     Red,  said  to  be  suited  for  long  keeping. 

9.  Ghavooshee:    Green,  a  rare  variety  in  Persia. 

10.  White  Shahanee:    Large,  oblong,  light  color. 

11.  Black  Shahanee:    Presumably  like  the  preceding,  except  in  color. 

12.  Unnamed  Varieties:    We  have  eight  varieties  which,  in  the  importation,  were  desig- 

nated only  by  numerals.  They  are  probably  as  desirable  as  the  others.  After  fruiting 
it  may  be  possible  to  name  them  if  good  Persian  descriptions  can  be  obtained.  If  not 
they  may  be  given  local  names. 

We  will  send  one  vine  of  each  kind  at  the  rate  5  cents  for  each  variety 
ordered,  by  mail,  postpaid. 

Plants  for  Green-Manuring. 

We  are  still  pursuing  our  effort  to  secure  a  leguminous  plant  which 
will  prove  satisfactory  for  green-manuring  in  California.  As  explained  in 
earlier  publications  of  the  Station,  it  is  necessary  to  have  a  plant  which 
will  make  a  heavy  growth  during  the  winter  months,  so  that  it  can  be 
plowed  in  early  in  the  spring  and  the  ground  put  in  shape  for  the  thorough 
surface  pulverization  which  largely  prevents  evaporation  of  moisture  dur- 
ing our  long,  dry  summer.  For  this  reason  we  cannot  use  many  plants 
which  are  used  for  green-manuring  in  humid  climates.  Crimson  clover, 
cow  peas,  etc.,  do  not  make  good  winter  growth.  The  square-pod  pea 
{Lotus  tetragonolobus)  is  better,  but  still  too  scant  in  its  winter  growth. 
The  common  <l  bur  clover"  (Medicago  denticulata)  and  its  near  relative 
"snail  clover  "  (31.  turbinata)  are  proving  very  satisfactory  in  some  parts 
of  the  State,  and  the  "  Canadian  field  pea  "  is  coming  into  quite  wide  use 
in  some  of  the  southern  citrus  orchards.  Experiments  are  also  in  prog- 
ress with  the  native  lupins  which  may  yield  valuable  results.  We  offer 
this  year  still  another  plant  for  trial,  which  we  desire  to  have  planted  on 
a  small  scale  in  many  localities  to  determine  its  hardiness  and  thrift  under 
our  winter  conditions  of  heat  and  moisture. 

Fenugreek  (Trigonella  foenum  groecum). — This  is  an  old  plant  of  the 
Mediterranean  region.  It  is  of  the  clover  tribe:  an  annual  which,  under 
favorable  conditions,  produces  a  heavy  weight  of  stem  and  foliage.  It  is 
used  in  the  old  countries  for  hay-flavoring:  the  seed  also  has  aromatic  qual- 


ity  and  special  uses  in  veterinary  medicine.  Bat  it  is  rather  for  its  possi- 
bilities in  the  green-manure  line  that  we  desire  its  trial,  and  this  use  is 
suggested  by  the  report  of  the  Director  of  the  Botanical  Service  of  Al- 
geria and  Tunis,  which  mentions  a  trial  of  fenugreek  sown  in  the  autumn 
which  produced  by  the  first  of  the  following  March  a  weight  of  25  tons  per 
acre  of  green  forage.  The  part  of  the  field  which  was  allowed  to  ripen 
produced  about  1400  lbs.  of  seed  per  acre.  We  wish  to  determine  by  local 
trial  whether  the  plant  will  endure  our  winter  frosts  and,  if  so,  whether 
its  winter  growth  is  greater  than  that  of  other  legumes  mentioned  above. 
Prepare  the  land  and  sow  the  seed  in  the  same  manner  as  alfalfa,  covering 
very  lightly.  If  the  plant  makes  a  promising  winter  growth,  allow  it  to 
bear  seed  for  wider  trial  and  earlier  sowing  next  autumn.  Seed  5  cts.  per 
packet,  postpaid. 

Snail  Clover  {Medicago  turbinata). — The  availability  of  this  plant  for 
green-manuring,  especially  in  regions  of  abundant  winter  rains,  has  been 
approved  by  a  number  of  experimenters  during  the  last  year,  and  we  offer 
the  seed  again  to  those  who  desire  to  make  trial  of  the  plant.  Soak  the 
pods  and  sow  rather  thinly  broadcast  as  early  as  the  ground  can  be  put 
into  shape,  and  cover  by  raking  or  harrowing.  Seed  in  12-ounce  parcels, 
10  cents  each  by  mail. 

Dry  Land   Grasses  and    Forage   Plants. 

The  grasses  which  years  of  trial  have  shown  to  be  best  for  mod- 
erately dry  lands  in  California,  especially  the  uplands  of  the 
coast  region,  are  "Australian  Rye  Grass "  {Lolium  perenne),  "Orchard 
Grass"  (Dactylis  glomerata),  "Red  Top"  (Agrostis  vulgaris),  and 
"Meadow  Soft  Grass,"  locally  called  "Mesquite"  (Rolcus  lanatus). 
All  these  can  be  purchased  at  the  seed  stores,  and  for  this 
reason  we  do  not  distribute  them.  In  addition  to  the  foregoing  we 
offer  the  following  list,  including  grasses  of  our  own  introduction,  which 
are  proving  valuable  where  the  heat  and  aridity  are  not  too  great.  The 
seeds  should  be  sown  in  places  where  their  growth  can  be  conveniently 
watched,  so  that  each  grower  can  determine  for  himself  which  ones  should 
be  largely  sown  the  following  year.  By  collecting  seed  from  a  small  plot 
a  large  area  can  soon  be  secured  : 

1.  Tall  Oat  grass  {Arrh  enatherum  avencteeum). 

2.  Awnless  Brome  grass  (Bromus  inermis). 

3.  Schrader's  Brome  grass  {Bromus  vnioloides). 

4.  Japanese  Wheat  grass  {Agropyrum  japonicum). 

5.  Many-flowered  Millet  grass  {Milium  multijlorum). 
8.  Hairy-flowered  Paspulum  {Paspalum  dilatatwn). 
7.  Texas  Blue  grass  {Poa  arachnifera)  roots. 

Later  Introductions. — The  foregoing  grasses  have  been  quite  fully 
characterized  in  our  previous  reports.  During  the  last  two  years  we 
have  largely  extended  our  collections  of  grasses  through  co-operation  with 
the  Division  of  Agrostology  of  the  United  States  Department  of  Agricul- 
ture in  trial  of  species  of  which  they  furnished  seed.  Out  of  about  150 
species  thus  secured  a  few  have  shown  very  promising  growth,  and  these 
we  offer  for  wider  trial  by  our  correspondents. 


9 
in 
11 
12 
13 


Yellow  Oat  grass  {Triselum pratense). 

Various-leafed  fescue  {Festuca  heterophyllu) . 

Teff  (Eragrostis  Abyssinaca) . 

Crab  grass  {Eragrostis  neo-Mexicana). 

Texas  Millet  {Panieum  texanum). 

Tall  Grama  grass  {Bouteloua  racemosa). 


14.    Buffalo  grass  {Buchloe  dactyloides) ,  roots. 


Most  of  these  grasses  are  native  species  from  the  interior  and  capable 
of  enduring  hardship.    The  last  of  the  series,  Buffalo  grass,  has  the  same 


habit  of  growth  as  Bermuda  grass,  but  it  has  finer  stems  and  makes 
better  winter  growth.  Still  it  should  not  be  planted  in  places  where  it 
is  not  desired  to  have  it  stay  and  spread. 

Of  any  of  the  above,  except  Nos.  7  and  14,  we  will  send  seed  at  5  cents 
each  per  package.  Nos.  7  and  14  grow  best  from  the  roots,  of  which  we 
send  a  package  for  10  cents  each. 

Flat  Pea  (Lathyrus  sylvestris). — This  plant  does  not  succeed  in  the 
presence  of  the  greatest  heat  and  drought,  but  it  maintains  heavy  growth 
with  very  little  moisture.  It  is  specially  approved  by  Mr.  E.  C.  W.  Mac- 
donald  of  Aptos,  Santa  Cruz  county,  after  several  years  continued  trial, 
for  summer  and  early  fall  growth  without  irrigation,  and  he  finds  that 
stock  eat  it  readily  if  they  are  introduced  to  it  when  the  growth  is  young 
and  tender,  and  after  that  they  will  keep  to  it  all  right.  He  had  grown 
good  lambs  fed  on  this  plant  alone.  It  is  valuable  to  keep  hill  lands  from 
washing.  It  does  not  start  growth  in  the  spring  until  the  ground  is  warm, 
but  it  continues  growth  ail  through  the  dry  summer  by  virtue  of  its  deep 
rooting  and  outgrows  summer  weeds;  even  sorrel  has  no  chance  with  it. 
It  is  commended  for  further  trial  on  coast  lands  which  are  deficient  in 
growth  of  better  plants.  We  have  no  seed  but  will  furnish  roots  at  10  cts. 
per  package. 

Forage  Plants  for  Alkali  Soil. 

Salt  Bushes. — Farther  trial  of  salt  bushes  from  Australia  at  the 
University  culture  stations  at  Tulare,  Santa  Monica  and  Pomona  is  show- 
ing that  several  species  are  likely  to  be  valuable  in  California  and  that 
selection  will  be  ultimately  made  upon  both  manner  of  growth  and  adapa- 
tion  to  local  conditions  of  soil  and  climate. 

Australian  Salt  Bush  {Atriplex  semibaccaia). — The  value  of  this  plant  has  been  demon- 
strated beyond  question  for  lands  too  alkaline  for  the  growth  of  ordinary  forage  plants.  But 
three  years  have  elapsed  since  our  first  general  distribution  of  the  seed  and  yet  so  rapid  has  the 
fame  of  the  plant  extended  that  thousands  of  acres  of  waste  alkali  land  have  already  been  made 
valuable  by  its  growth.  The  seed  is  now  in  the  market  and  can  be  supplied  by  any  California 
seedman.  We  still,  however,  have  an  overwhelming  demand  for  small  trial  packages  and  there- 
fore continue  the  distribution  for  another  year. 

Salt  Bush  No.  2.  {Atriplex  leptocarpa). — This  East  Australian  species  was  first  distributed 
from  this  Station  two  years  ago.  It  has  shown  special  adaptation  to  situations  where  the  sum- 
mer heat  is  less  than  in  the  upper  San  Joaquin  valley.  At  Santa  Monica  and  on  heavier  lands 
near  Pomona  it  has  made  better  growth  than  the  semibaccata  and  is  apparently  quite  as  good 
for  stock  feeding. 

Mealy  Salt  Bush  {Atriplex  halimoides). — This  species  promises  to  surpass  the  semi- 
baccaia on  dry  lands  and  gives  indications  of  being  valuable  on  so-called  desert  situations.  It 
is  native  to  the  central  desert  regions  of  Australia.  It  makes  very  rapid  growth  and  begins  to 
bear  seed  in  three  months  after  sowing.  If  cut  or  pastured  down,  it  forms  a  very  compact  mass 
of  soft  new  growth  very  unlike  that  of  semibaccata.  The  plant  is  covered  with  a  heavy  whitish, 
scaly  dust  which  seems  to  justify  a  popular  name  as  "mealy  salt  bush."  It  makes  a  taller 
growth  than  semibaccata. 

Bladdery  Salt  Bush  {Atriplex  vesicaria). — This  species  is  easily  recognized  by  the  pro- 
fusion of  small  bladder-like  vessels  which  occur  amidst  the  foliage  and  enclose  the  seed.  Other- 
wise it  much  resembles  the  halimoides  in  growth  and  appearance,  and  should  be  tested  beside  it 
to  determine  the  comparative  drought  resistance  of  the  two. 

.  Seed  of  salt  bushes  is  sown  in  Australia  on  the  unplowed  desert  after 
a  rain,  and  sheep  are  driven  over  it  to  tread  it  in.  On  alkali  soil  the  seed 
is  more  apt  to  rot  if  covered.  Our  rule  is:  firm  the  seed  in  the  soil  at  time 
of  first  rains,  or  else  late  (when  the  ground  is  again  warmer).  Scattered 
in  cold,  wet  ground  in  midwinter  the  seed  is  apt  to  fail.  We  send  seed  in 
packets:  5  cts.  for  each  kind  ordered,  postpaid. 

Modiola  (Modiola  decumbens). — This  plant,  which  is  a  native  of  Chile, 
was  first  observed  growing  freely  on  alkali  lands  in  Kern  county,  and 
many  who  grew  the  plant  from  our  seed  last  year  praise  it  very  highly; 
sheep  and  cows  eat  it  in  preference  to  alfalfa,  and  improve  in  flow  of  milk. 
It  is  almost  as  rich  in  flesh-forming  ingredients  as  alfalfa;  in  this  respedt 
it  is  superior  to  the  salt  bushes.  The  plant  may  be  valuable  on  dry  and 
waste  places,  even  when  very  alkaline;  but  it  must  be  introduced  with  cau- 
tion, because  it  has  a  habit  of  rooting  from  its  prostrate  stems,  and  there- 


fore  may  be  difficult  to  eradicate.  In  this  respect  it  is  very  different  from 
the  salt  bushes.  To  those  who  desire  to  try  the  modiola  in  places  which 
are  waste  and  remote  from  cultivated  lands  we  will  send  small  packets  of 
seed  at  2  cents  each. 

Fiber   Plants. 

Cotton. — At  our  station  at  Pomona  we  have  grown  this  year  several 
choice  varieties  of  Georgia  cotton,  which  have  attracted  much  attention. 
We  offer  these  in  the  boll  that  they  may  serve  to  demonstrate  to  the  young 
people  in  home  or  school  how  cotton  occurs  in  nature,  and  will  enable  them 
to  take  out  the  seed  and  pursue  their  nature  study  by  growing  the  plants 
in  the  home  garden  or  school  yard.     Postpaid,  5  cents  per  package. 

Flax. — Similar  use  can  also  be  made  of  this  important  fiber  plant, 
though  it  will  also  serve  a  commercial  purpose.  The  best  variety  for  seed 
production  is  that  known  as  Californian  ;  for  fiber  and  seed  combined,  we 
offer  four  varieties  of  the  best  European  fiber  flaxes,  which  attain  about 
twice  the  length  of  stem  of  the  variety  grown  for  seed  in  this  State.  The 
whole  list  is  as  follows  :  No.  1,  White-flowering  French  ;  No.  2,  Royal  of 
Germany;  No.  3,  Russian  ;  No.  4,  Yellow-seeded  ;  No.  5,  Californian.  Flax 
is  hardy,  and  withstands  ordinary  California  winter  frosts.  It  should  be 
sown  early — at  about  the  same  time  cereals  are  sown.  We  send  seed  in 
1-ft).  sacks,  15  cents  for  each  variety,  by  mail,  postpaid. 

For  Field  and  Garden. 

Canaigre  (Rumex  hymenosepalus). — The  plant  which  is  attracting  so 
much  attention  as  a  source  of  tannin.  Seed  5  cts.  per  package,  or  roots 
25  cts.  per  package,  postpaid. 

Jerusalem  Artichokes  {Helianthus  tuherosus).  —  We  have  two  varie- 
ties— White  French  and  Red  Brazilian.  The  former  is  highly  esteemed 
by  some  as  a  table  vegetable,  either  boiled  or  used  in  soups  or  salads.  The 
red  variety  is  perhaps  superior  for  stock  purposes.  We  can  furnish  both 
sorts  if  desired  at  10  cts.  per  package  each,  by  mail  postpaid. 

Roselle  {Hibiscus  sabdariffa). — A  tender  plant  producing  in  dry,  hot 
regions  a  juicy  pod  which  makes  delicious  jelly.  Full  description  in  last 
year's  bulletin.     Seeds  3  cts.  per  packet. 

New  Short  White  Carrot. — Very  thrifty.  Highly  approved  by  our 
correspondents.     3  cts.  per  packet,  postpaid. 

Washington  Market  Corn. — Commended  as  a  late  showy  variety. 
5  cts.  per  packet,  postpaid. 

Carlton  Club  Rhubarb. — Large  stems  and  good  quality.  Roots  15 
cts.  each,  postpaid. 

Veitch's  Climbing  French  Bean. — Certificated  at  English  shows; 
does  well  without  poles.     5  cts  per  packet,  postpaid. 

Edible  Pod  Pea. — An  English  variety  highly  approved  in  California. 
3  cents  per  packet,  postpaid. 

Application  for  seeds  and  plants  should  be  made  as  soon  as  this  an- 
nouncement is  received.  We  are  unable  to  continue  distribution  throughout 
the  year. 

Address,  E.  J.  WICKSON, 

Berkeley,  December  5,  1897.  Berkeley,  Cal. 


J.  F.  Halloran,  330  Market  St.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 


